Australia seeks base missile defences as expert warns public remains exposed
Australia’s Defence Department is seeking bids for missile defence systems to protect military bases and deployed troops, with deployment proposed from the mid-2030s. Defence expert Michael Shoebridge says the plan leaves the public exposed and argues that protecting Australian people should be part of the military’s mission.
The tender seeks pricing and delivery timelines for medium-range, land-based systems from US, Norwegian, South Korean and Israeli suppliers, including Rafael, which makes Iron Dome and David’s Sling. Shoebridge also questions the age of some systems under consideration, naming the US Patriot and Marine Corps Medium Range Intercept Capability. The debate comes amid increased Chinese military activity near Australia, including a Pacific missile test in July.
In short
- Australia is considering missile defences for military sites and troops.
- A defence expert says cities and residents are left out.
- The tender includes systems he describes as old.
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The case for
Prioritising bases and deployed troops could be a practical way to protect the forces and infrastructure needed to respond to a crisis, especially when resources and suitable systems are limited. Seeking bids now allows Australia to compare capabilities, costs and delivery times before deciding what to acquire, while avoiding assumptions that a system designed for military sites can readily provide nationwide public protection.
The case against
A defence policy focused on bases and troops may leave civilians and important public infrastructure exposed to missile threats, even though protecting the population is a core responsibility of government. Australia should assess whether its plans need broader protection, and whether systems under consideration are sufficiently modern and suited to the threats the country faces.
Explained simply
Missile defence systems are designed to detect and intercept incoming rockets or other missiles. Australia’s armed forces are considering land-based systems to protect military bases and troops, and are seeking proposals from suppliers in several countries.
The debate is about whom such defences should protect and what threats they should address. Defence expert Michael Shoebridge says the plans leave the public exposed and argues that protecting people should also be part of the military’s role; he has also questioned the age of some systems being considered.
The issue comes as China’s military activity near Australia has drawn attention, including a missile test in the Pacific in July. Decisions about these systems could shape how Australia protects its forces and responds to regional security risks.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Aussies exposed while military gets Iron Dome-style protection under defence plan, expert warns: ‘A disastrous failure’”.